Chapter 6 - The Signature Daniel Didn't Remember
Daniel denied signing the affidavit.
He denied knowing Vale, denied speaking to a lawyer, and denied ever suggesting that I couldn't manage my affairs.
But the copy carried his printed name above a signature so close to his handwriting that even I hesitated.
We moved the discussion into Marcus's office and left Lily with a trusted staff member.
"I swear I didn't write that," Daniel said.
"Have you signed anything for Madison recently?" I asked.
He thought for several seconds.
"A refinancing packet. She said it was for the mortgage."
"When?"
"September. She gave me a digital link."
Vale listened from the sofa, seemingly enjoying himself.
"Your mother has become very forgetful," he said. "Concerned family members are allowed to seek safeguards."
"Concern isn't evidence," I replied.
"A judge might see it differently."
Marcus asked him to leave the private offices until his authority could be independently verified.
Vale rose slowly and buttoned his coat.
"You'll regret delaying this," he told me.
"You may send future correspondence to my attorney," I said.
His expression flickered.
For the first time, he looked irritated.
When he left, Marcus placed the affidavit into an evidence envelope and called our longtime counsel, Rebecca Shaw.
Rebecca had negotiated with Thomas through two refinancing crises and had never once confused caution with cowardice.
She listened as we explained the forged signatures and the attempted vendor transfer.
"Do not sign or verbally approve anything," she instructed. "Preserve the originals and restrict the portal today."
Then she asked a question that turned the room silent.
"Elaine, who has access to your late husband's estate documents?"
I thought of a storage box in my Denver home, a key kept in my desk, and Madison's cheerful offer to help organize my papers last spring.
My stomach tightened.
"My son," I answered. "And possibly his wife."
Rebecca said she would drive up in the morning.
Before ending the call she added, "If someone is trying to make Daniel your legal guardian, we need to establish whether he's an accomplice or another person they intend to use."
Daniel sank into a chair.
His face had gone pale.
May you like
"Mom, I think Madison has been lying to me about a lot more than your hotel room."
